When Words Become Permission for Violence
By Bill Wilson, KIN Senior Analyst
WASH—May 20—KIN--America has entered dangerous territory when elected officials and celebrities casually throw around words like “Nazi,” “terrorist,” “dictator,” and “traitor” against political opponents. In recent days alone, Democrat Congressman Seth Moulton compared Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to Nazi submarine captains. Tennessee State Rep. Justin Pearson called President Donald Trump a “white supremacist domestic terrorist.” Actor Mark Hamill posted an image of Trump in a grave with the words “If Only” before later apologizing. These are not isolated incidents. They are part of a growing culture where rage, hatred, and dehumanization are treated as entertainment and political strategy.
The problem grows worse because many Democratic leaders refuse to clearly condemn the rhetoric coming from their own side. Silence has become permission. When people with influence normalize hatred, unstable minds eventually act on it.
The US already has experienced repeated political violence connected to this poisonous climate. President Trump has endured multiple assassination attempts and credible threats over the past several years, more than any modern president since Eisenhower. Researchers and political analysts increasingly warn that inflammatory rhetoric fuels what experts call “stochastic terrorism,” where emotionally charged public attacks inspire individuals to commit violence on their own.
Studies show that violent language online and in media environments correlates with increases in real-world threats and attacks. Even mainstream publications now acknowledge that demonizing political opponents as evil, fascist, or subhuman lowers moral barriers for unstable individuals. Once a political figure becomes viewed as less than human, violence starts appearing justified in the minds of radicals. History teaches this lesson repeatedly, yet many public figures continue pouring gasoline onto a fire already burning across the country. A civil and law-abiding society cannot survive under constant political incitement. Healthy democracies require fierce debate paired with moral restraint. Americans can disagree strongly on policy without wishing death upon one another or portraying opponents as monsters.
Scripture speaks directly to the power of words and the responsibility attached to them. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Words matter. They shape culture, influence behavior, and reveal the condition of the heart. Americans of every political belief should demand an end to rhetoric that glorifies violence, dehumanizes opponents, or excuses hatred. Leaders should condemn it quickly, clearly, and consistently regardless of party affiliation. A free society survives through truth, accountability, and respect for human life. Once political hatred becomes entertainment, the nation drifts toward chaos. Anyone who continues to support, excuse, celebrate, or spread this kind of violent rhetoric is an accomplice.
Sources
· Breitbart – Seth Moulton compares Pete Hegseth to Nazi submarine captains
https://www.breitbart.com/
· Breitbart – Tennessee Rep. Justin Pearson calls Trump a “white supremacist domestic terrorist”
https://www.breitbart.com/
· Breitbart – Mark Hamill apologizes after posting image of Trump in a grave
https://www.breitbart.com/
· Breitbart – Mark Hamill posts image of Trump dead in a grave with “If Only” caption
https://www.breitbart.com/
· The Guardian – White House condemns Mark Hamill grave image post
https://www.theguardian.com/
· New York Post – Hamill backlash after Trump grave image
https://nypost.com/2026/05/08/
· Entertainment Weekly – Hamill apology and controversy coverage
https://ew.com/mark-hamill-
· PBS NewsHour – Political violence and historical trends in America
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/
· Brookings Institution – Political violence in the United States
https://www.brookings.edu/
· Institute for Strategic Dialogue – Rise of violent rhetoric targeting public officials
https://www.isdglobal.org/
· Los Angeles Times – Political rhetoric and assassination attempt concerns
https://www.latimes.com/
· Reuters – Investigation into recent assassination threat environment
https://www.reuters.com/world/